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Do you spend lots of times out in your yard? If you do then you understand how important it is to have outlets when you are outdoors for various reasons. But what type of outlets should you have? It is important to remember that you cannot have the same outlets as you have inside.  Outdoor electrical outlets should have weatherproof covers protecting them.

It will save you from unwanted accidents when it is raining.

• Select the right kind of outdoor outlet.
  National Electrical Code REQUIRES the use of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets for safety. Only this type of outlet is safe for outdoor use.
• Ensure proper installation.
  Be sure to install the outlet with a gasket and a cover plate, sealing the connection to the wall, or attaching a weatherproof cover.
• Add a weatherproof cover.
  The little flip-up tabs that cover your outdoor electrical outlets are only enough to protect the outlet when it’s NOT in use. Luckily, the addition of a properly connected weatherproof cover can allow you use of the plug while safeguarding it against moisture – even allowing for use in the rain. Sometimes referred to as ‘flip up’ or ‘bubble covers,’ these outlet additions are now mandatory as per the National Electrical code

Whenever you are thinking of making a hole on a to put up a nice family picture or whenever you are thinking to dig on your lawn think twice about it and do some research about your property. Drilling a wall or digging can be very dangerous because you might hit electrical cords and metal is a very good conductor which basically means it is a very good transport for electricity which allows atoms to flow freely. Once you decide to do this first examine which are safe places and where you would find electric wires.
One common rule is to avoid drilling around light switches and sockets, as the electrical wires can go horizontally and vertically around these fixtures
The trickiest part about hanging heavy objects is that they may require a stud for stability. Hanging a heavy object off a stud can be done, but you need to know how thick the stud is, as well as how the wires are attached to it.

When taking care of the house it is very important to understand that electrical wiring is a very dangerous thing and needs very careful approach to it. When thinking of taking care of home it has to be understood that yard and all the wires outside also are part of the whole household and need some attention as well. Sometimes when tress grow, their branches start to overgrow and apply pressure on electrical cords. If the branches on your property are growing a little too close to any power lines, have them trimmed to prevent any downed power lines during high winds or thunderstorms. It will help you save yourself from unfortunate events. Speaking of outside it is important to also note If you’re going to set up your mp3 player or smartphone outside to play some music while you grill out, make sure that you are using the right extension cord. What is the right extension cord? One that is rated for outdoor use. There’s a good chance it will be exposed to moisture outside – and an outdoor-rated extension cord will be able to handle small exposure to water.

For this week we have gathered couple of tips which are not necessary related but we thing would be very useful for you to live in a safer environment.

It is much better to unplug them to prevent overheating, overloading, or surging stand by electrical power. When the users don’t use the appliances, the electricity keeps flowing, and it is called standby power. Unplugging appliances that are not used will stop stand by power and save you electricity and can reduce your electric bill.

Extension cords can be a trip hazard and can overload a circuit, you should avoid using extension cords except in periodic situations. If you do find that you regularly uses an extension cord, such as to reach a corner lamp, then consider calling in a licensed electrician to install more accessible outlets.
If you ever have to deal with electrical issues, always cut the power at the breaker box. Before you start work, test to make sure the outlet, fixture, or switch is shut off. Then plug something in, flip the switch, and use a tester. It will only take a few seconds to cut the power and test the circuit. But we would still suggest not to touch anything as you can make the problem even worse and let professionals do their job.